A320 Conf 2 Take Off

[MD83FO]

Hi, our company has chosen to impose the use of flap 2 on all take offs implying that it saves on tire wear do to lower speeds as we operate at hi elevation airports.
I prefer to use Conf 1 to improve second segment and overall climb performance.
my question is:
Does the flap setting used on the load sheet prevent me from using a different setting? (gross trim difference).
lets say on a short runway Conf 3 allows a higher flex, but the load sheet is calculated on Conf 2.
Am i obligated to use Conf 2.

[Denti]

The trim setting is calculated on %CG, which is the same whatever config you use. You can simply set it by setting the CG on the trim wheel instead of units of trim or check out the table on the backside of the QRH for a conversion.

[Amadis of Gaul]

If your company says you're obligated, what's the discussion about?

[macdo]

Commander can use whatever config he/she feels is correct for the day. If you have a good reason to step outside of SOP, no problems.
Our outfit insists on using Config for lowest Flex to save fuel. It is not always the best and we do what is appropriate to the conditions. I have never heard of anyone's decision being questioned.

[Amadis of Gaul]

I guess I'm just not that smart. They pay me what they owe me on time, in return for which I fly the airplane like they tell me to. If that's Config 2 or Config 9, so be it.

[vilas]

As I always say be loyal to your pay cheque. But if you want to deviate recalculate the speeds and flex.

[Amadis of Gaul]

Indeed. Why some people insist on making things more complicated, I'm much too dumb to understand. Do what they tell you, take your money and go home. Better climb performance? Please...

[KBPsen]

From Oxford dictionaries:

Impose, verb

1 [with object] Force (something unwelcome or unfamiliar) to be accepted or put in place: the decision was theirs and was not imposed on them by others

1.1 Forcibly put (a restriction) in place: sanctions imposed on South Africa More example sentences

1.2 Require (a duty, charge, or penalty) to be undertaken or paid.

[FlightDetent]

2 OP:

A320 family take-off THS trim setting is independent of chosen flap setting. THS is a (linear) function of CG POS at TOW.

While I cannot quote a reference, there is nothing in FCOM PERFO, PEP, OCTOPUS or FOVE/LPC-NG/FlySmart that would enable you to calculate THS based on flap selected, it simply does not enter the equation.

Yours,
FD.

[Denti]

Yes, flex burns a teensy little bit more fuel, but lowers maintenance costs a lot.